Songs to Listen to in Summer: Ranking of Popular Tracks by Japanese Female Artists [2026]

Ref:rainAimer21rank/position

Aimer “Ref:rain” MUSIC VIDEO (5th albums “Sun Dance” and “Penny Rain” released simultaneously on Wednesday, 2019/04/10)

The ending theme “Ref:rain” from the film “After the Rain,” which depicts a refreshing love story between a high school student who has tasted defeat and an unremarkable man who manages the part-time workplace where she works.

Tied to the film’s content, the keywords of the song are “rain” and “love.” June, when you can hear the footsteps of summer approaching.

Listening to this song might bring back memories of an unforgettable summer romance.

Aimer, known for her husky voice—her cool, edgy tracks are wonderful, but for June, this sweet and bittersweet love song is especially recommended!

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sasashina

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I can’t stop this sadnessAnri22rank/position

I can't stop this sadness

Following the earlier hit “CAT’S EYE” in the first half of the same year, this song by Anri became a hit in the latter half of 1983.

After “Listening to Olivia” she hadn’t enjoyed any major hits, but with these two successes, didn’t Anri firmly cement her popularity? Lyrically, it has the feel of a modern take on “Tennessee Waltz,” but musically it’s driven by a disco beat with a catchy groove.

That contrast may well be one of the reasons the song became a hit.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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EsperanzaNishino Kana23rank/position

Kana Nishino – esperanza

Kana Nishino’s “Esperanza” features an impressive sound that fuses pop with Latin influences, and her vocals resonate deeply.

With touches of flamenco, it conveys a powerful sense that the passion of love and the heat of summer are in sync.

The lyrics also portray the ache of a bittersweet love, which is surely a point many will relate to.

Her voice, contrasting with the passionate melody, communicates the sorrow of an unrequited love.

Though it’s an unconventional love song, its rich lyricism will resonate with many people.

Cool yet fiery, and tinged with longing, this track is a perfect recommendation for summer romances.

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kappamaki

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If I Hadn’t Met You ~Summer Snow Winter Flower~Aimer24rank/position

Aimer - Had I Not Met You ~Summer Snow, Winter Flower~

Many people have experienced the feeling that if they had made a different decision back then, their present might have turned out differently.

In this song, that sentiment intertwines with the theme of heartbreak.

Notably, it does not dwell on regretting the past; instead, it carries a forward-looking nuance that suggests people can grow through the experience of a broken heart.

sparklingaiko25rank/position

aiko - 'Kira Kira' music video

A love song with delicate lyrics and melodies that capture snapshots of summer.

With aiko’s characteristically unique turns of phrase, it conveys both the heartache and the hope of a lost romance.

Everyday moments and memories are depicted with a warmth that resonates and invites empathy.

Released as a single in August 2005, it was also used as the theme song for a Fuji TV drama and in a Toyota commercial.

It’s perfect for anyone who has experienced a summer fling or a breakup, a song you’ll want to listen to while gazing up at the summer night sky.

Why not let aiko’s voice envelop you and sink into nostalgic memories?

miraclemiwa26rank/position

miwa 'Miracle' Music Video

This song captures the feeling of a summer romance, perfect for a season filled with sunshine.

Released in April 2013 as the CM song for Shiseido’s SEA BREEZE, it drew attention alongside visuals themed around high school youth.

Its breezy sound—colored by samba-style rhythms and percussion—blends with Miwa’s transparent, clear vocals to vividly express the thrill of summer.

The lyrics, which freshly portray wavering emotions and the anticipation of new encounters, just might give you the courage to leap into love.

The album featuring this track, Delight, topped the weekly album chart and was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of Japan.

It’s a cute summer tune recommended for anyone excited to kick off the season or looking to reminisce about their school days.

The High-Class Mermaid of the ShoreKoizumi Kyoko27rank/position

Kyoko Koizumi - Chic Mermaid of the Beach

With its sparkling synthesizer tones and subtly mysterious guitar cutting, this track is filled with the kind of excitement that feels like opening the door to summer.

The lyrics, inspired by Kyoko Koizumi’s “uncatchable quickness,” vividly evoke a protagonist shining under the sun.

The slightly grown-up choice of words is irresistibly cute, and it makes your heart race, doesn’t it? Released in March 1984 as Kyoko Koizumi’s ninth single, the song also made waves as a Kanebo Cosmetics commercial tune.

Thanks to this hit, she earned her first No.

1 on the Oricon charts and made her debut appearance at the 35th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen at the end of the same year.

It’s also included on albums such as Celebration.

Put it on as BGM for a summer drive or a burst of fun by the seaside, and your mood is sure to soar to the max!

Southern WindNakamori Akina28rank/position

(8) [Official] Akina Nakamori / Southern Wind (East Live Index 23 – Live at Yomiuriland EAST, 1989.4.29 & 30) AKINA NAKAMORI / SOUTHERN WIND

Here’s a song released in 1984 by Akina Nakamori, one of the eternal idols for people in their 50s.

While Nakamori is known for often having her songs written by trending artists, this particular track was composed by Koji Tamaki of Anzen Chitai, with lyrics by Etsuko Kisugi, and has a rock style.

Its mature theme about romantic mind games in a southern resort setting is one of those songs that fully conveys Nakamori’s allure.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Summer DayMoritaka Chisato29rank/position

Chisato Moritaka 'Summer Days' (PV)

Chisato Moritaka remains forever youthful.

Her song “Natsu no Hi” is a natural, unpretentious track that sings about an ordinary day.

The lyrics are by Chisato Moritaka, the music by Hideo Saito—a golden duo behind many of her consecutive hits.

With lyrics so vivid—“A summer when love ended and I was left alone; the beach, dusk, stars, waves… all I can think of is you”—many listeners likely wondered, “Is this based on Moritaka’s real experience?” It’s a summer song from Moritaka that sets aside the Japanese-style Eurobeat for a gentle, heartfelt delivery.

If you haven’t heard it yet, please do!

cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)Otsuka Ai30rank/position

Ai Otsuka / Sakuranbo

This song, which likens the flutter and joy of romance to sweet, juicy fruit, is a perfect fit for early summer.

Over the span of two years, a couple quarrels yet cares for each other, coming to cherish the days they spend together—a story brightly portrayed with a lively rhythm and brassy arrangements.

Released in December 2003, the track was included on the album “LOVE PUNCH,” and was also used as the opening theme for TBS’s COUNT DOWN TV and the ending theme for Fuji TV’s Mecha-Mecha Iketeru!.

Brimming with pop energy that captures both a forward-looking spirit and the exhilaration of love, this piece is ideal for a fresh early-summer morning or the time spent waiting to meet someone special.